Reals Granero latest QPR capture

Real Madrid midfielder Esteban Granero has become the latest player to sign for Queens Park Rangers during the current transfer window, the English Premier League club announced late Thursday.

The 25-year-old has agreed a four-year contract for an undisclosed fee after making 60 appearances for Los Blancos.

"He is a great player, first and foremost," said QPR manager Mark Hughes. "You don't play at a club like Real Madrid if you're not," added the Welshman, who as a player had a spell with Real's arch-rivals Barcelona.

"He has been there from the age of nine, so this has been a huge decision for him," said Hughes, whose side only narrowly avoided relegation last term and have yet to win in the top flight this season after two games.

"He is very well regarded there and for him to leave a club of that stature to come to us shows the belief he has in what we are trying to do.

"He has got great energy and is technically very gifted, as you would expect from a Real Madrid player.

Granero told the west London club's website: "I'm very happy to be here. I love the passion of the English fans and from what I know QPR supporters are amongst the very best.

"When I spoke to Mark and (technical director) Mike (Rigg), as well as (chairman) Tony (Fernandes), I was convinced that I wanted to be part of this project, which has no limits.

"I am delighted to be part of this exciting chapter in the club's history. Players that have joined before me are as excited as I am about what QPR can become, one of the great teams in England."

Hughes, backed by Malaysian businessman Fernandes, the man behind the Caterham Formula One team, has been active in the transfer market.

South Korea's Park Ji-Sung, who joined from Manchester United as did Fabio, Ryan Nelsen, Andrew Johnson, England goalkeeper Robert Green, Samba Diakite and Brazil keeper Julio Cesar, who signed Wednesday, are among the recent arrivals at Loftus Road.

Hughes added: "What we are doing at QPR is having an impact on players.

"It is probably true to say that if we had approached certain players three or four months ago about joining the club, the suggestion wouldn't have been entertained.

"But people now know we are serious and we are trying to do something different here."